Finding enough time for horses while meeting work commitments can be a challenge for a hobby trainer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Adam Stephens falls into this category, having to find time to work a small team at Allendale around shift work at a newspaper printing operation in Ballarat.
And it is the prime reason Wingate Guy, bred by the Stephens family, did not get to the races until this season as a four-year-old.
He said with three or four already in work there had not been enough time get Wingate Guy and his 7yo half brother Imawingate to the races until this season.
Stephens said it had been a matter of waiting for the racing careers of others to end before the sons of broodmare Alberts Belle had their chance.
Stephens said even then it would not be possible to have so many in work without the support of his father Allan and brother Jamie.
It is a real family affair for the Stephens, with everyone making a contribution.
So there has been plenty of satisfaction on the home front in seeing Wingate Guy win his first two starts.
The Union Guy gelding made it two on end in the Ballarat Suites Best Western Pace, 1710m, in Ballarat on Friday night.
He is the third winning progeny of a Union Guy and Alberts Belle union, with Impressive Guy winning six races and now retired Union Belle 11.
The Stephens purchased Alberts Belle with Union Belle at foot. And they also have another full sister yet to race.